New York Racing Association steward Braulio Baeza Jr. has imposed a $2,500 fine on trainer Mike Maker in connection with General a Rod being a late arrival at the Belmont Stakes pre-race test barn June 7.

Belmont Stakes contender General a Rod galloped over the main track at 5:45 the morning of June 6, his first time over the Belmont Park course since arriving from trainer Mike Maker's Louisville base the previous evening.

Claire Novak updates on the news of the day, including new arrivals Medal Count and General a Rod on the track, and California Chrome schools in the paddock. Claire is joined by special guest, Kent Taylor of WAVE TV.
watch video

Claire Novak and special guest Peter Rotondo handicap the Belmont Stakes. Peter has had success at picking winners in the Belmont and shares stories while providing insight on this year's running.
Watch Video

Meet the Belmont Stakes Contenders. Use this quick and informative guide for a look at the field for the June 7 Belmont Stakes (gr. I). It is compiled in post position order by Ron Mitchell, with analysis by Evan Hammonds.

Triple Crown hopeful California Chrome walked the shedrow the morning of June 1 after logging his final breeze before the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) a day earlier in front of a crowd of adoring spectators at Belmont Park.

The morning of May 18 was time for Art Sherman to check his horse and relive the thrill of California Chrome's Preakness victory, while trainer Billy Gowan was all smiles about a runner-up finish from Ride On Curlin.

After the vans pulled in late the afternoon of May 14, all the contenders for the $1.5 million Preakness Stakes (gr. I) were on the grounds at Pimlico Race Course except for Ring Weekend, who will arrive May 15 before noon.

Claire Novak updates us on location at Pimlico for the Preakness Stakes. Learn about Ride On Curlin's work with comments from Billy Gowan. See Kid Cruz, California Chrome, General a Rod, Social Inclusion and more!
watch video

Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome boarded a van at Churchill Downs at 10:17 a.m. Monday, May 12 for the first leg of his journey to Pimlico Race Course to headline the 139th Preakness Stakes Saturday, May 17.

Claire Novak reports on three new arrivals for the Kentucky Derby. Mike Maker and Joel Rosario comment on General a Rod, watch California Chrome jog on the track and Tom Proctor enters Please Explain.
watch video

One day after being purchased by new connections, General a Rod breezed at Churchill Downs the morning of April 29, showing marked improvement over his work at the track last week as the Kentucky Derby draws closer.

If trainer Art Sherman seems calm for a Triple Crown newcomer who figures to be saddling this year's Kentucky Derby favorite in California Chrome, some of that confidence traces to his star's racing foundation.

Trainer Todd Pletcher was mulling his Kentucky plans for Constitution the day after the undefeated colt's courageous victory in $1 million Besilu Stables Florida Derby (gr. I) at Gulfstream Park March 29.

If horseplayers had a question of which runner to bet in the $1 million Besilu Stables Florida Derby (gr. I) at Gulfstream Park March 29, the one Javier Castellano was named on seemed as sure a shot as any.

When the calendar pages turn to March, and the days slowly count down to the final Saturday of the month, the annual anticipation for one of the greatest days in horse racing begins to build.
read blog

Kiaran McLaughlin knew he was taking a risk when he decided to bypass the Feb. 22 Fountain of Youth with Holy Bull winner Cairo Prince; now the colt has little margin for error on the road to the Kentucky Derby.